Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga promoted 186 officers a day after the elections, in what is understood to be a move to ensure that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's attempt to retain the presidency is protected against any outside force.

The promotions were announced on August 24 at every police station in the country, according to a "leaked" document.

He also says that promotion is not based on exams as usual, but on merit.

As of August 11, Matanga promoted 18 policemen to the posts of Chief Inspector, 22 to Inspector and 146 to Deputy Inspector.

Other promotions to Superintendent positions will be announced at a date not specified in the document in question.

"The Commissioner General of Police is pleased to announce the promotion of the following officers with effect from August 11, 2023, as indicated below in order of merit," it reads.

Matanga's decision to promote the 186 officers comes at a time when Mnangagwa's position is being challenged by the Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) in Zimbabwe's general elections.

Although the results of the presidential elections have not yet been announced, Mnangagwa is facing strong competition from the new group, which has already won a clean victory in Bulawayo and won 23 of the 26 seats in Harare.

"Officers have been complaining about these promotions since Matanga took office. We know that promotions on merit are made after examinations and not for political reasons," said an officer at police headquarters.

"The aim is to motivate the elders to ensure that they protect Mnangagwa in the event that he loses. In all this, we are the ones who will suffer because we are the ones who will have to fight against the people's choice." (Bulawayo24)